Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell took yet another step forward in his stardom with a key role in the latest episode of Bleacher Report’s Game of Zones.
There were a lot of moments this year where NBA fans may have stated that Utah Jazz rookie phenom Donovan Mitchell had “arrived.” Maybe it was his 41-point outpouring against the New Orleans Pelicans. Perhaps it was when he won the Slam Dunk Contest. Or quite possibly it could have been when he willed his team into the second round of the playoffs.
All of those were fitting moments, but one that occurred recently may have officially solidified Donovan’s “arrival” – he starred in the latest episode of Bleacher Report’s renowned “Game of Zones” that dropped Thursday.
Of course, for those of you who follow Game of Zones closely, you’ll know that it’s a stretch to say that he actually starred in it. Rather, it was an animated, poorly voiced (as B/R clearly admits) rendition of Donovan Mitchell. Still, for the Jazz rookie to be featured in a key role in the popular online series says a lot about his quick rise to stardom.
The video is available via the tweet below for your viewing pleasure:
NBA rookies are roasting each other over a game of "NBA 1K" 🎲 #GameOfZones (➡️ @McDonalds) pic.twitter.com/MJfDWQ0224
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 24, 2018
This particular episode features some of the league’s top rookies bantering with one another while playing the so-called “NBA 1K”. Not only does it do an awesome job of hilariously jabbing fun at some of the frustrating quirks of the NBA 2K games, but it features some great jokes among the rookies.
Jazz fans will certainly most enjoy those of Donovan Mitchell and Ben Simmons making their case for Squire (Rookie) of the Year. My personal favorites were the jabs at Simmons never taking a three-point shot and the fact that he can always try for the award again next year. There was plenty of roasting among all the rookies in the episode and sure I’m biased, but I’m pretty sure Donovan came out on top.
Next: Utah Jazz ’17-18 review: Derrick Favors, a Jazz lifer
Whether or not he comes out on top in the actual Rookie of the Year voting remains to be seen as the winners will be announced at the NBA Awards Show on June 25th. Considering that Ben Simmons received significantly more All-NBA votes than Donovan Mitchell (36 compared to 2) it’s probably a safe bet to assume that Simmons will end up getting the nod.
Nevertheless, Mitchell proved his mettle this past year and a ROY snub will likely only serve to fuel his fire and put a chip on his shoulder. His hilarious Game of Zones appearance is yet another step in his rise to stardom, and in seasons to come, I’m confident his performance on the court will only further prove that he is one of the elite players in the Association.